Birch and Simmonds included as Greens head to Jersey

The Sarnians travel to Jersey for the annual three-game series this week, with game one on Friday evening before Saturday’s double-header, with Charlie Birch and Charlie Simmonds in contention to make their debuts.

Birch celebrated his call-up on Saturday with an unbeaten half-century for Cobo to guide them to a hard-fought victory over Simmonds’ Wanderers-Irregulars in the GCA Cup.

‘He’s been away to Australia, he’s come back and he’s definitely improved, he’s hitting the ball a lot cleaner, changed his game slightly and he’s a real asset for us,’ said Guernsey captain Ollie Nightingale of his clubmate Birch.

‘He bats, he bowls and he fields now. If you do all three, you give the team another option.’

Nightingale was also pleased for Simmonds, who is a regular for Guernsey Raiders in his winter sport.

‘He’s come in and brought a lot of enthusiasm, seems to love his cricket as much as his rugby, which is a win for us, and he’s been great to have around.

‘Obviously Zak [Damarell] isn’t playing quite as much cricket at the moment – with his little one – so Simmo’s come in and he’ll play a part at some point, so look forward to him making his debut.’

Elizabeth College all-rounder Charlie Forshaw is a notable absentee due to exams.

‘There’s a few people that have ruled themselves out or can’t make the whole weekend for various reasons, which is really disappointing, but we’ll go with what we’ve got and hopefully we come out on the right side of it,’ said the skipper.

‘We got closer last year and won one game, so hopefully go one better this year.’

Guernsey squad for Inter-Insular Cup T20I Series

Luke Bichard, Charlie Birch, Martin-Dale Bradley, Josh Butler, Zak Damarell, Ben Ferbrache, Ben Fitchet, Harry Johnson, Adam Martel, Ollie Nightingale, Tom Nightingale, Charlie Simmonds, Ant Stokes, Matt Stokes.